Gender and Racial Disparities in Diagnostic Radiology Residency Programs: A Decade of Trends and Implications for...

As the United States moves toward becoming a minority-majority nation by 2060, achieving diversity within the physician workforce has become increasingly important. Diagnostic Radiology, however, continues to demonstrate persistent disparities in representation, particularly among racial, ethnic, and gender minorities. This study examined gender, racial, and ethnic representation among Diagnostic Radiology residents from 2013 to 2023 using data from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Data Resource Book. Residents self-reported their race and ethnicity into defined categories. Data trends were analyzed over the decade to assess shifts in representation. Of 46,557 Diagnostic Radiology residents, 33,871 (72.8%) were male and 12,431 (26.7%) were female. Racial and ethnic breakdowns included 24,482 (52.6%) White, 10,297 (22.1%) Asian, 2,126 (4.57%) Hispanic/Latino, 1,561 (3.35%) Black/African American, 83 (0.18%) American Indian/Alaskan Native, 10 (0.021%) Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 615 (1.32%) multiracial, 2,246 (4.82%) other, and 5,137 (11%) unknown. Overall, 47.4% of residents identified as non-White. Despite increasing attention to diversity and inclusion, Diagnostic Radiology remains one of the least diverse medical specialties. Contributing factors include limited exposure to radiology during medical school, lack of mentorship, and structural barriers in the residency selection process. Targeted efforts such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) committees, pipeline programs, and holistic applicant reviews have emerged as key strategies to promote diversity.